Arkansas' unemployment rate increases to 7.1 pct

The Department of Workforce Services said Friday that Arkansas' civilian labor force decreased by 8,500 in December.

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By Associated Press

Stuttgart Daily Leader - Stuttgart, AR

By Associated Press

Posted Jan. 18, 2013 at 11:31 AM
Updated Jan 18, 2013 at 11:33 AM

By Associated Press

Posted Jan. 18, 2013 at 11:31 AM
Updated Jan 18, 2013 at 11:33 AM

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.

Arkansas' unemployment rate crept up by one-tenth of a percentage point in December to 7.1 percent.

The Department of Workforce Services said Friday that Arkansas' civilian labor force decreased by 8,500 in December. A spokeswoman notes that Arkansas' unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate of 7.8 percent.

Last month, seven major industry sectors posted job losses. The greatest drop came in leisure and hospitality, with jobs decreasing by 3,000. Officials say the decrease is a typical seasonal trend in accommodations and food services.

Government jobs decreased by 900, primarily because of the start of winter break at public universities. Educational and health services jobs decreased by 800, with much of the decrease coming in child day care services and youth services.